How to Clean Dog Toys: 7 Easy Steps for a Healthier Pup

Your dog’s collection of toys probably brings a lot of joy and fun into your home, but it also brings in a fair amount of dirt and slobber. It’s easy to overlook that basket of well-loved items, but knowing how to clean dog toys is a really important, and simple, part of caring for your furry family member. A good cleaning routine helps get rid of nasty germs and bacteria that can build up, keeping your best friend healthy and their favorite toys ready for the next round of play.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a task that needs to take up your whole day. The process for cleaning dog toys is actually quite straightforward once you know what to do. The right method just depends on what the toy is made of, whether it’s a soft, fuzzy friend or a tough rubber chew. We’ll walk you through everything, step-by-step, so you can feel confident you’re doing it safely and effectively. Let’s get those toys sparkling clean!

Why It’s So Important to Wash Your Dog’s Toys

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s take a quick look at why this chore is worth your time. You wouldn’t serve your dog dinner in a dirty bowl, and their toys deserve that same level of care. It’s all about keeping them happy and healthy.

• Gets Rid of Germs: Your dog’s mouth has a lot of bacteria. When they chew, that bacteria transfers to the toy and can multiply. Toys can also pick up mold, yeast, and other germs from the floor or the yard, which you don’t want your pup ingesting.
• Washes Away Dirt and Grime: Toys are magnets for dust, dirt, and allergens, especially if your dog loves taking them outside. A regular wash gets rid of all that gunk.
• Helps Toys Last Longer: Keeping toys clean can actually help them last longer by preventing grime from breaking down the fabric and other materials over time.
• A Cleaner Home for You: Let’s be honest, nobody wants a dirty, drool-covered toy ending up on their sofa or bed. Clean toys mean a cleaner living space for everyone.

As a good rule of thumb, try to wash your dog’s toys every couple of weeks. If a toy is a daily favorite or gets especially dirty, you might want to wash it more often. For more great, vet-approved tips on keeping your pet healthy, you can check out the fantastic videos over at the Revprofs YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Revprofs.

How to Clean Dog Toys

The best way to clean a toy depends on its material. It’s always a good idea to check the label for any specific washing instructions from the manufacturer. If there’s no label, no problem! Just follow this guide to figure out the safest method.

1. Cleaning Hard Rubber and Plastic Toys

Hard toys made from materials like rubber, nylon, or plastic are usually the easiest to clean. This includes favorites like Kongs, puzzle feeders, and durable chew bones. A big bonus is that many of these are dishwasher safe dog toys, which makes your job super simple.

Using the Dishwasher:

• Confirm It’s Safe: First, double-check that the toy is marked as “dishwasher safe.” Most reputable brands will note this on the packaging or their website.
• Load the Top Rack: Place the toys on the top rack of your dishwasher. This spot is farther away from the hot heating element, which helps prevent the toys from melting or warping.
• Hold the Detergent: Run a hot water cycle, but skip the dishwasher detergent. The hot water and high pressure are powerful enough to sanitize the toys. Regular detergents can leave behind chemical residues that could be harmful to your dog.
• Let Them Air Dry: After the cycle is done, let the toys air dry completely before giving them back to your excited pup.

Washing by Hand:

If a toy isn’t safe for the dishwasher or if you just prefer doing it by hand, this method for cleaning rubber dog toys works wonderfully.

• Get Your Sink Ready: Fill a sink or a basin with warm water and a bit of mild dish soap.
• Scrub It Clean: Use a dedicated sponge or brush (not the one you use for your own dishes!) to give the toys a good scrub. Make sure to get into any grooves or openings where old food bits and dirt can hide. A bottle brush is perfect for cleaning inside treat-dispensing toys.
• Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: This step is super important. Rinse the toys under running water until every last bubble of soap is gone. You don’t want your dog swallowing any soap residue.
• Dry Them Off: You can let the toys air dry or wipe them down with a clean towel.

2. Washing Plush Dog Toys

Those soft, cuddly toys are often a dog’s most cherished companions, but they are also sponges for drool and dirt. The good news is that washing plush dog toys is pretty much like washing a load of delicate clothing.

Using the Washing Machine:

• Do a Quick Inspection: Before you toss a soft toy into the washer, check it for any damage like rips or loose plastic eyes. You don’t want the stuffing or small parts to come off and clog your machine. A quick stitch-up can save a beloved toy.
• Use a Laundry Bag: Pop the toys into a mesh laundry bag. This protects them from getting tangled or snagged during the wash cycle.
• Choose the Right Detergent: It’s really important to use a pet-safe laundry detergent. Look for one that is natural, fragrance-free, and gentle. Avoid fabric softeners, as they have chemicals that can irritate your dog’s stomach or skin.
• Run a Gentle Cycle: Wash the toys on a delicate cycle with cold or warm water.
• Air Dry for Safety: It’s best to air dry plush toys. A machine dryer can be too hot and might shrink the fabric or melt any plastic pieces. You can hang them up or lay them flat on a towel. Just be sure they are completely dry on the inside to prevent any mold from growing.

3. Cleaning Rope Toys

Rope toys are great for tug-of-war and can even help with your dog’s dental hygiene. But they can get pretty funky and frayed.

• Wash Them: You can easily hand-wash rope toys in the sink with a bit of soap and hot water, just be sure to rinse them well. They can also go into the washing machine in a mesh bag on a hot cycle.
• Sanitize in the Microwave: Here’s a neat trick for a quick disinfection! Make sure the rope toy is completely wet and has ZERO plastic or metal parts. Put the damp toy in the microwave for about one minute. The steam created will kill off germs. Please be very careful when you take it out, as it will be extremely hot. Let it cool down all the way before giving it back to your dog.

4. How to Disinfect Dog Toys Naturally

Sometimes, a toy needs a deeper clean, like if your dog has been sick or if you’ve brought home a “new to you” toy. Learning how to disinfect dog toys without using harsh chemicals gives you peace of mind.

A simple and effective DIY dog toy cleaner and disinfectant can be made with items you probably already have: distilled white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant that is safe for dogs.

• Mix Your Solution: In a spray bottle or a basin, mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts water.
• Soak or Spray: For hard toys, you can let them soak in the solution for about 15-30 minutes. For softer toys, a light spray is better so they don’t get too saturated.
• Rinse Away the Vinegar: After the soak, you need to rinse the toys very well with plain water to get rid of the vinegar smell and taste.
• Let Them Dry: Allow all toys to air dry completely before they go back into the toy bin.

For more expert information on which household products are safe or unsafe for pets, the ASPCA is a trustworthy resource.

Knowing When to Let a Toy Go

Even with great care, all toys eventually wear out. For your dog’s safety, it’s important to recognize when a toy is past its prime. Learn how to pick the best toy for your dog’s personality.

Check your dog’s toys weekly and it’s time to throw one away if you see:

• Cracks or sharp, broken pieces on hard toys.
• Stuffing falling out of plush toys.
• Rope toys that are so frayed that your dog could swallow the strings.
• Any toy that has pieces breaking off.

No toy is truly indestructible. By checking them regularly, you can prevent an accident and keep playtime fun and safe. For an excellent selection of durable, high-quality toys, you can browse retailers like Homes Alive Pets

Make Cleaning a Simple Habit

The easiest way to stay on top of this is to build it into your routine. Pick a “toy wash day” every couple of weeks and knock it out. It’s a small effort that has a big, positive impact on your dog’s health. Discover more simple ways to enrich your dog’s life.

By following these easy steps, you can ensure your dog’s favorite toys are not just fun but also perfectly clean and safe. It’s one more way to show your furry friend how much you care. Find other great ideas for keeping your dog healthy and happy!